Life saving action of club officials lauded

posted 7 Aug 2012, 14:16 by Robert O'Connell

07 August 2012The GAA in Ulster and Fermanagh has publicly
acknowledged its members' emergency response efforts when an official took
ill.

Brookeborough GAA clubman Peter Boyle, a lifelong volunteer within
the Association, was officiating as umpire at a Club league game on August 1st
when he took ill after the final whistle. He was immediately attended to by
Brookeborough GAA and Aughdrumsee GAA Club officials, who successfully used the
Brookeborough Club's defibrillator and emergency response techniques until the
Ambulance Service arrived on scene. Peter remains in hospital but his condition
improves each day.

Ulster GAA president Aogán Ó Fearghail said, "I have
known Peter for many years as a lifelong GAA volunteer and I am pleased at his
continued recovery from this incident.

"The successful use of the GAA's
Club's defibrillator by trained Club personnel highlights the value of having
this life saving equipment and trained personnel in the GAA Club environment.

"In the past number of years, GAA clubs in Ulster took the decision to
purchase an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) in response to the heightened
awareness around Cardiac Risk. While a defibrillator is only of value where the
heart is in a 'shock-able' state, in these incidents it will increase the
chances of survival and ultimately recovery".

The Ulster GAA, in
conjunction with its County boards and the Department of Health, Social Services
and Public Services, conducted a pilot programme during the winter whereby AED
training was offered to GAA clubs. 246 GAA members were trained through this
pilot scheme, including members of the Brookeborough Club.

Fermanagh GAA
chairperson, Patsy Dolan stated, "Ulster GAA and Fermanagh GAA wish to commend
all Clubs who have a defibrillator in their possession, and to particularly note
the efforts of those on duty in Brookeborough last week. This collective effort
on the part of the GAA family reflects the steps being taken for the betterment
of their wider community.

"I join with the entire GAA family in wishing
Peter a full and speedy recovery."